Frequently Asked Questions

Will my jewelry look just like the photo?
No. All items are hand-crafted which means that your piece will be a one-of-a-kind! Stamped items are hand-stamped and will have variations that add to the character and charm of the piece.

Will you sell necklace charms without the chain?
No, the chain is included in the price of the necklace and is only sold as a set.

How do I clean my jewelry?

• Clean sterling silver and mixed metals with a soft polishing cloth, avoiding crystal and semi-precious stones which should be wiped with a soft, clean cloth.
• To clean chainmaille, simply mix a paste of baking soda and water, gently scrub into the jewelry with a toothbrush, rinse thoroughly with warm water and immediately pat dry.
• To keep sterling silver from tarnishing, store your jewelry in an air-tight bag (available with your purchase).
• To preserve the life and quality of your jewelry, do not submerge it in water and limit its exposure to lotion, perfume, and hairspray.
• Cleanings are free for the life of any piece you buy from Silver Box Designs, so feel free to send us the piece and have us polish it for you. You do pay shipping costs, but the cleaning itself is complimentary. For your protection, please send all pieces insured in a well-padded envelope or box. We cannot be responsible for items lost, stolen or damaged during shipment.

What is the difference between fine silver and sterling silver?
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and is much softer than sterling silver. It is too soft for many applications, but is perfect for fusing and other methods that benefit from a softer metal as well as the benefits of producing very little firescale and tarnish on the piece when heated. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. The copper stengthens the silver and makes it more practical for other uses and techniques. Because of the copper it does develop a patina and tarnish over time. Many people value this patina and the aged look it gives the silver. For those who do not care for this, there are simple ways to remove it (see jewelry care above).

What is gold-filled?
Gold filled materials give the look of gold at a much more economical price. A thick layer of gold is permanently bonded to a base metal. It has 100 times more gold than plated gold and is 20% 14K gold by weight. The only metal that touches your skin is 14K gold and, under normal wear, will not rub or flake off. It is especially practical to use in chainmaille because it is stronger than pure gold and allows the rings to hold their shape over time.